---
title: "DC 5131 - Index, long, ring and little"
diagnostic_code: "5131"
body_system: "Musculoskeletal System"
cfr_section: "§ 4.71a"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-rating-schedule/musculoskeletal/5131-index-long-ring-and-little"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a"
updated: "2026-07-21T19:26:22.795531Z"
---

# DC 5131 - Index, long, ring and little

Rated under § 4.71a. Body system: Musculoskeletal System.

## Rating criteria

| Rating | Rating (non-dominant) | Criteria |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60% | 50% | Index, long, ring and little |

## Notes

- (a) The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the proximal interphalangeal joints or through proximal phalanges.
- (b) Amputation through middle phalanges will be rated as prescribed for unfavorable ankylosis of the fingers.
- (c) Amputations at distal joints, or through distal phalanges, other than negligible losses, will be rated as prescribed for favorable ankylosis of the fingers.
- (d) Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple fingers injuries will require a rating of 10 percent added to (not combined with) the ratings, multiple finger amputations, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.
- (e) Combinations of finger amputations at various levels, or finger amputations with ankylosis or limitation of motion of the fingers will be rated on the basis of the grade of disability; i.e., amputation, unfavorable ankylosis, most representative of the levels or combinations. With an even number of fingers involved, and adjacent grades of disability, select the higher of the two grades.
- (f) Loss of use of the hand will be held to exist when no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

# Multiple Finger Amputation — Index, Long, Ring and Little Fingers (Diagnostic Code 5131)

*Musculoskeletal System · 38 CFR § 4.71a*

## Understanding This Condition

This VA disability rating covers the amputation of four fingers on the same hand: the **index, long, ring, and little fingers**. It is part of the schedule the VA uses to evaluate musculoskeletal disabilities affecting the hand.

Because this rating involves multiple fingers, the VA follows specific rules about *where* an amputation occurs and *how* it combines with other conditions of the hand. The level at which a finger is lost affects how it is rated.

## Available Rating Levels

| Rating | Criteria | Non-Dominant (Minor) Extremity |
|--------|----------|-------------------------------|
| 60% | Amputation of the index, long, ring, and little fingers | 50% |

The higher rating (60%) applies when the affected hand is the **dominant** hand. When the affected hand is the **non-dominant (minor)** hand, the rating is **50%**.

## What the VA Looks For

When rating multiple finger amputations under this code, the VA considers the following:

- **Level of amputation.** The ratings for multiple finger amputations apply to amputations at the **proximal interphalangeal joints** or **through the proximal phalanges**.

- **Amputation through the middle phalanges** will be rated as prescribed for **unfavorable ankylosis** of the fingers.

- **Amputations at distal joints, or through distal phalanges** (other than negligible losses) will be rated as prescribed for **favorable ankylosis** of the fingers.

- **Loss of metacarpal bone.** Amputation or resection of metacarpal bones (more than one-half the bone lost) in multiple finger injuries requires a rating of **10 percent added to** (not combined with) the multiple finger amputation ratings, subject to the amputation rule applied to the forearm.

- **Combinations of amputation levels.** Combinations of finger amputations at various levels — or finger amputations along with ankylosis or limitation of motion of the fingers — are rated based on the **grade of disability** (amputation or unfavorable ankylosis) most representative of the levels or combinations involved. When an even number of fingers is involved with adjacent grades of disability, the VA selects the **higher of the two grades**.

- **Loss of use of the hand.** Loss of use is considered to exist when **no effective function remains** other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump with a suitable prosthetic appliance.

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*This information is provided for general educational purposes and is drawn directly from the VA rating schedule under 38 CFR § 4.71a. Individual ratings depend on the specific facts of each case.*

Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-4.71a